Ash hopper gate



July 5, 1932.

L. G. WEYGANDT T AL ASH HOPPER GATE 5 Sheets-Sheef 1 Filed Aug. 9, 1929 o rney.

July 5, 1932 L. G. WEY'GANDT ET AL 1,865,652

ASH HOPPER GATE Filed Aug. 9. 1929 5 SheebS-Shee 2 l/. G. WEYGANDT E1' AL 1,855,562

ASH HOPPER GATE Fijled Aug. 9, 1929 July 5 1932.

3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Patented July 5, 1932 UNITED STATES PATENT oFFicE LESLIE G. WEYGANDT, OF WYNCOTE, AND PERCIVAL K. REED, OF LLANERCH, PENN- SYLVANIA, ASSIGNORS TO ATLAS CON VEYOR COMPANY, 0F I HILAIDELPI-IIA, PENN# SYLVANIA, A CORPORATION OF PENNSYLVANIA ASH HOPPER GATE Application filed August 9, 1929. Serial No. 384,653.

Our invention relates to an ash hopper gate, that is to say, to a device which is adapted normally to close the bottom of an ash hopper, and which is adapted to be opened at various times to permit the discharge of the ashes from the hopper to a dump car or the like.

In modern steam engineering practice, one method of handling the ashes from under the steam boilers is to permit the same to accumulate in .hoppers, from which they are subse quently discharged through a gated opening into dump cars or other means of conveyance.

In Vsuch systems of handling ashes, it has also been customary to quench the hot ashes by means of water, in which case it is neces sary to use an excess quantity of water to insure the complete quenching of the ashes, and consequently provision must be made for draining this excess water from the hopper, as otherwise the same would, in some instances, soon lill the hopper; in other instances, would flood the dump cars; and in still other instances, would leak at various places into the rooms or passageways below the hopper.

The principal object of our present invention is to provide a gate for ash hoppers which is so constructed and arranged as to permit the excess quenching water to beI drained from the hopper, and also to prevent the ashes from falling into and obstructing the drain structure when the gate is open.

A further object of our invention is to provide improved means for directing to the drain the water which passes down the'sides of the ash gate frame.

A further object of our invention is to provide a gate for ash hoppers which is soI constructed and arranged as to provide a minimum of obstruction to the passage of the ashes when the gate is open.

A further object of our invention is to provide a gate for ash hoppers` which will be simple and ellicient in its action, and durable in construction, whereby the same, while belng relatively easy to operate, will withstand the rough usage to which devices of this characier are necessarily subjected.

Vith the foregoing objects in view, our invention contemplates the provision, in connection with the outlet opening atthe bottom of an ash hopper, of a gate structure which is provided with a stationary drain trough adapted'to receive and carry away the excess quenching water, and is also provided with means adapted to be automatically operated upon the opening of the gate to prevent the ashes from falling into the drain trough when they are being discharged from the hopper.

Our invention further contemplates means for'operating the device for protecting the drain trough, whereby it will be moved to the operative position immediately after the gate begins to open, and will be retracted only just before the gate is fully closed.

The nature and characteristic features of.

our present invention will be more readily understood from the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings forming part hereof, in which:

Figure l is a vertical, central, sectional view of an ash hopper having associated therewith a gate embodying the main features of our present invention, the gate member being shown in the closed position;

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the gate structure, the gate being shownin the closed position; i

Fig. 3 is a similar view, but with the gate shown in the open position; Y

Fig. 4 is a front elevation of the gate structure, certain portions being shown in section;

Fig. 5 is a vertical, sectional view of the frame portion of the gate structure, with the drain trough shown in operative relationship with respect thereto;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged detail sectional view, the section being taken on the line 66 of Fig. 5; and l Fig 7 is a fragmentary detail view, enlarged, taken approximately on the line 7 7 of Fig. 2.

It will, of course, be understood that the drawings and description herein contained are illustrative merely, and that various modifications and changes may be made in the structure without departing from the spirit of our invention.

Referring to the drawings, 10 is an ash hopper of any. preferred construction. The bottom walls 11 and l2 of the hopper are preferably inclined, so as to facilitate the discharge of the contents of the hopper when it is desired to empty the same. The wall 12 is provided with a discharge opening 13.

A frame 14 is secured to the outer face of the wall 12 of the hopper. The side portions 15 of the frame 14 form a continuation of the sides of the discharge opening, and in like manner the lower portion 1G of the frame 14 forms `a continuation of the bottom of the discharge opening.

rThe top portion 17 of thD frame 14 projects to a less extent than the bottom portion 16, and to the extent of its projection forms a continuation of the top of the discharge opening of the hopper.

At the forward end of each of the side portions 15 of the frame 14 there is provided a hearing 18, in whichA the enlarged central portion 19 of a shaft 2() is journaled. In order to reduce the friction in the bearing, and thereby make the device easier to operate, bearing rollers 21 may be interposed between the enlarged portion 19 of the shaft 20 and the outer parts ofthe bearing structure. Each end of each shaft 2O is squared, whereby the parts secured thereto, as hereinafter described, may be securely attached, and the actuation of the same in unison more positively assured.

The gate proper comprises a sector frame 22, which is so formed as to provide an inner pocket in which a refractory lining is mounted. The refractory lining may comprise a plurality of suitably shaped tire brick 23, which are retained in the pocket in any preferred manner.

At one end of the sector fram 22, the wall thereof projects upwardly, as at 27, beyond the surface of the refractory lining 23, said projecting portion 27 being adapted to abut against the top portion 17 of the frame 14 when the gate is in the closed position, and thus limit the same against further movement after the gate is in the proper position to close the opening against discharge of the ashes from the hopper.

.4t the other end of the sector frame 22, the wail thereof is provided with a projecting lip 2S, the outer surface of which constitutes a` continuation of the surface of the refractory lining of the gate. The projecting lip 28 serves to direct the drainage waterV in a manner to be hereinafter more fully set forth.

It should here be noted, however, that the outer surface of the lip 23, in the closed position of the gate, comes to a point in proximity to the end of the lower portion 16 of the frame 14, ieaving a sight space therebetween through which the drainage may. pass. It should also be noted that, when the gate is in the closed position, the lip 2S extends below the plane of the inner surface of the iower portion 16 of the frame 14, fora purpose to d be presently explained.

The sector frame 22 of the gate proper is supported by means of side frames 29, the outer portions of which are bolted to the fianges 30 carried by the sector frame 22.

The side frames 29 of the gate structure are clamped to the inner squared end portions of the shafts 2O which are journaled in the side portions of the frame 14, as hereinbeforc described.

On the outer squared end portions of the shaft-s 2() there are mounted coiniterweights 31. By thus positioning the counterweights on the outside of the side portions ofthe frame 14, the passageway for the discharge of the ashes will be unobstructed when the gate is in the open position.

The counter-weights 31 have bolts 32 mounted therein whereby auxiliary counterweiglrts 33 may be added to secure the proper balance of the gate members.

The bolts 32 may also be used for the purpose of securing an operating lever 34 to one of said counterweights. The end of the operating lever may be provided with a depending rod 35, provided with a handle portion 36 for convenient manipulation.

Each of the connterweights may also be provided with a projecting lugportion 37, which is adapted to abut against the side portions 15 of the frame 14, to limit the movement of the gate when the same is brought to the open position.

A drain trough 40 is arranged below the lower front edge of the lower portion 1G of the frame 14, whereby the drainage which passes between said lower edge and the projecting lip portion 28 of the gate member may pass by gravity into the trough.

The trough 40 is supported by means of brackets 41, which are secured to any snitabe stationary portion of the structure. it will be noted that the trough is rigidly held in fixed position below the lower portion of the stationary frame 14 of the gate structure. The trough 40 is provided with an outlet nipple 42, to which a pipe 43 may be connected to carry away the drainage.

A, plate member is movahly mounted below the lower portion 1G of the stationary frame 14 of the gate structure. The preferred means of supporting the plate member 50 comprises an arrangement at each end thereof consisting of a linlr 51 and a fever The link 51 is pivotally connected at one end to an upturned end portion 53 of the plate member' 50, by means of a bolt 54. rilhe link 51 is pivotally connected at its other end, by mea-ns of a bolt 55, to the side portion 15 of the frame 14.

The lever 52 is pivotally mounted on the side portion 15 of the frame 14 by means of a bolt 56. The lower end of the lever 52 is pivotally connected to the upturned portion 53 of the plate member 50 by means of a bolt 57. The other end of the lever 52 carries a lic bolt 58, which is engaged bythe slotted portion 59 of a connectingrod 60. The other end of the connecting rod 6() may likewise be slotted, as at 61, and this slotted portion 61 engages a bolt 62 which is carried by the counterweight structure, or any'other suitable moving part of the gate structure.

Each otthe inner faces of the side portions 15 ot' the frame 14 is provided with a sectorlike projection 70, L-shaped in cross-section, which extends under the end of the sector frame 22 of the gate. The lowerend ot the projection 70 is curved toward the lower portion 16 of the frame 14, so as to direct any of the drainage which passes down the side portions 15 of the trame 14 into thedrain trough 40. v v

In order to prevent the drainage from running along the under side of the sector portion 22 of the gate, as it would otherwise naturally do, each end of the sector portion 22 of the gate is provided with a lip 71, which serves to direct the drainage which passes around the end of the member into the gutter provided by the projection 70.

The operation of the device'may now be explained. In the normal closed position oi the gate, the parts are in the positions shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 4 of the drawings, the diei charge opening of the hopper being closed by the gate proper, whereby the ashes will be permitted to accumulate within the hopper until it is convenient to discharge the same therefrom.

It will be noted that when the gate is closed, the plate member will be held in the retracted position entirely under the lower portion 16 of the frame 14, and consequently any drainage resulting from an excess quantity of the water which'is used Vto quench the ashes within the hopper will pass downward` ly and be discharged over the lower portion 16 of the frame 14, falling by gravity into the trough 40. Y v

Any of the drainage which'passes over the upper surface ot the gate will in like manner pass through the space betweenthe lip portion 28 of the sector frame of the gate and the lower port-ionc16 of the frame 14.

It may here be noted that the lip 28, projecting below the end of the lower portion 16 of the trame 14, will serve effectively to defleet toward the drain trough any rush ot drainage water which may pass downwardly t over the inner surface of the lower portion of the. frame, and which might otherwise, through its inertia, be spilled beyond the drain trough. It will also bevnoted that the lip 28 will serve to prevent any of the drainage from passing alongthe under side' of the gate structure, as it might otherwise do.

Any of the drainage which passes around the ends .of the gate will be caught by the gutter formed by the sectorprojection 70,

y and carried thereby until it falls from the curvedV inturned portion at the lower end thereof into thedrain trough 40...

When it is desired to discharge the ashes from the hopper, the ash car'80, the top of which is shown in Fig. 1 of the drawings, is

within the hopper, the plate member 50,

which is supported by the links 5l and levers 52, will fall byv gravity until it extends over the drain trough 40, as shown in dotted `lines in Fig. 1, and in full lines in'Fig. 3 .of the drawings.

The movement of the plateO, at `the beginning ot the movement of the gate toward the openl positiomis permit-ted by reason of the movement otthe bolts 62,- which are carried by the counterweight, about theaXes of the shafts 20. Y Y

After the plate member 50 has reached its iin-al position, and the gate continues its movement to the fully open position, the slotted portions-of the connecting rods will .permitthe plate member to stay in its final position, withoutany further actuation. lit may here be noted that when the plate member 50 extends beyond the lower end of the lower portion 16 of the frame 14, the ashes which are discharged from the hopper will pass over said plate 50 and thereby will be prevented from falling into the drain trough 40. l

When it is Vdesired to close the gate, the operator pushes` upwardly upon the handle rod 35, thereby causing `the gate to be returned to its initial position. However, the. gate will be returned to such position as to check the further liow of any'` ashes which may remain in the hopper', before the plate member 50 is retracted to its initial position, this action being permitted by reason of the slots provided in 4the connecting rods 60.

lt will be seen that there is thus provided a simple and eiiicient' form of' gate structure for ash hoppers and the like, in which the drainage resulting from the excess quenching water will be collected in a stationary drain trough, whence it may be piped away. lt will be noted that the drain trough will be effectively protected againstV the `,ashes from the hopper falling thereinl when the same are being discharged from thevhopper.

It will also be noted that all of the drainage will be effectively guided so as` to be properly collected within the drain trough, whether said drainage passes from-the bot,-

kil

tom of the hopper, over the top surface of the gate, or around the sides thereof.

V'Ve claim:

1. The combination, with a hopper having a discharge opening, of aframe surrounding said opening, a movable gate adapted to close the discharge opening, a stationary drain trough arranged below, said frame adapted to receive drainage therefrom, a movable plate member arranged below the lower portion of said frame, and means adapted to actuate said plate member to cause the same to be retracted out of the path of the drainage when the gate is in the closed position and to be extended over the drain trough when the gate is in the open position.

2. The combination, with a hopper having a discharge opening, of a frame surrounding said opening, a movable gate adapted to close the discharge opening, a stationary drain trough arranged below said frame adapted to receive drainage therefrom, a movable plate member arranged below the lower portion of said frame, and means adapted to actuate said plate member to cause the same to be retracted out of the path of the drainage when the gate is in the closed position and to be extended over the drain trough when the gate is in the open position, said means being constructed and arranged whereby the movement of the plate member occurs only during that portion of the movement of the gate when the same is near its closed position.

3. The combination, with a hopper having a discharge opening, of a frame surrounding said opening, a` movable gate adapted to close the discharge opening, a stationary drain trough arranged below said frame adapted to receive drainage therefrom, a movable plate member arranged below the lower portion of said frame, and means adapted to actuate said plate member to cause the same to be retracted out of the path of the drainage when the gate is in the closed position and to be extended ov-er the drain trough when the gate is in the open position, said means comprising links pivotally connected to the plate member, levers each having one end pivotally connected to the plate, and rods connecting the other ends of said levers to movable portions of the gate structure, said connecting rods having a slotted connection whereby the mov-ement of the plate member occurs only during that portion of the movement of the gate when the same is near its closed position. s

4. rl`he combination, with a hopper having a discharge opening, of a frame surroundiro' ^**tn said opening, an arcuate gate pivotally vmounted in said frame and adapted in conjunction therewith to close the discharge opening, a stationary drain trough arranged below said frame adapted to receive drainage therefrom, a movable plate member arranged adjacent the lower portion of the frame, and means adapt-ed to actuate said plate member to cause the same to be retracted out of the path of the drainage when the gate is in the closed position and to be extended over the drain trough when the gate is in the open position.

5. The combination, with a hopper having a discharge opening, of a. frame surrounding said opening, an arcuate gate pivotally mounted in said frame and adapted in conjunction therewith to close the discharge opening, a stationary drain trough arranged below said frame, a movable plate member arranged adjacent the lower portion of the frame, and means adapted to actuate said plate member to cause the same to be re`I tracted when the gate is in the closed position and to be extended over the drain trough when the gate is in the open position, said means being constructed and arranged whereby the movement of the plate member occurs only during that portion of the movement of the gate when the same is near its closed position.

6. The combination, with a hopper having a discharge opening, of a frame surrounding said opening, an arcuate gate pivotally mounted in said frame and adapted in conjunction therewith to close the discharge opening, a stationary drain trough arranged below said framea movable plate member arranged adjacent the lower portion of the frame, and means adapted to actuate said plate member to cause the same to be retracted when the gate is in the closed position and to be extended over the drain trough when the gate is in the open position, said means comprising links pivotally connected at their respective ends to the frame and plate member, levers pivoted to the frame each having one end pivotally connected to the plate, and rods connecting the other ends of said levers to movable portions of the gate structure.

7. The combination, with a hopper having a discharge opening, of a frame surrounding said opening, an arcuate gate pivotallyv mounted in said frame and adapted in conjunction therewith to close the discharge opening, a stationary drain trough arranged below said frame, a movable plate member arranged adjacent the lower portion of the frame, and means adapted to actuate said plate member to cause the same to be retracted when the gate is in the closed position and to be extended over the drain trough when the gate is in the open position, said means comprising links pivotally connected at their respective ends to the frame and the plate member, levers pivoted to the frame each having one end pivotally connected to the plate and rods connecting the other ends of said levers to movable portions of the gate structure, said connecting rods having a slotted connection whereby the movement of the plate member occurs only during that portion of the movement of the gate when the same is near its closed position.

In testimony whereof, We have Vhereunto signed our names.

LESLIE G. WEYGANDT. PERCIVAL K. REED. 

